Firefighters continue to battle a raging wildfire in Baraga County that has been blazing since at least Friday. Specialized aircraft have been brought in to help fight the fire that is said to have been caused by recent dry conditions.
Approximately 256 acres of forest land have been affected by the fire and is located in a rugged and remote area in the north of the county. Lightning strikes last week created two separate fires that merged into one larger conflagration.
Firefighting efforts have proven to be difficult due to the nature of the terrain involved. Current priorities include using bulldozers to establish a containment perimeter to inhibit the spread of the fire and limit property damage. Residents of houses near the affected area have been evacuated and the public has been instructed to stay clear. Private drones are asked to stay grounded, as responding aircraft cannot fly in the vicinity of them.
Fire danger in the area remains at a recent high, and warmer temperatures as of late have augmented the risk. Local fire authorities have issued warnings that seek to limit the chance of another wildfire starting– those who seek to burn vegetation must obtain a permit.
